Waupaca #2 Reservoir Report

Last Updated: December 4, 2025

Waupaca #2, located in Buena Vista, Colorado, is a privately owned dam built in 1979 for irrigation purposes on the McFadden River.


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Summary

Designed by Wright Engineering, this earth dam stands at a height of 22 feet with a hydraulic height of 28 feet and a structural height of 38 feet. With a storage capacity of 27 acre-feet and a normal storage of 20 acre-feet, this dam plays a crucial role in water management in the region.

Despite its low hazard potential and satisfactory condition assessment, Waupaca #2 is considered to have a high risk level, indicating the need for robust risk management measures. The dam, with a length of 408 feet and a surface area of 2 acres, serves multiple purposes including hydroelectric power, irrigation, and recreation. While it does not have a spillway, the dam has a spillway width of 30 feet and a maximum discharge capacity of 1160 cubic feet per second, ensuring the safety and stability of the structure.

Owned by a private entity and regulated by the Colorado Department of Water Resources, Waupaca #2 undergoes regular inspections with a frequency of 6 years to ensure compliance with safety standards. With its strategic location in Chaffee County and its vital role in water resource management, this dam stands as a significant landmark for water resource and climate enthusiasts in the region.

Year Completed

1979

Dam Length

408

Dam Height

22

River Or Stream

MCFADDEN

Primary Dam Type

Earth

Surface Area

2

Hydraulic Height

28

Drainage Area

3

Nid Storage

27

Structural Height

38

Hazard Potential

Low

Foundations

Soil

Nid Height

38
       
Seasonal Comparison

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Dam Data Reference

Condition Assessment

Satisfactory
No existing or potential dam safety deficiencies are recognized. Acceptable performance is expected under all loading conditions (static, hydrologic, seismic) in accordance with the minimum applicable state or federal regulatory criteria or tolerable risk guidelines.
Fair
No existing dam safety deficiencies are recognized for normal operating conditions. Rare or extreme hydrologic and/or seismic events may result in a dam safety deficiency. Risk may be in the range to take further action. Note: Rare or extreme event is defined by the regulatory agency based on their minimum
Poor A dam safety deficiency is recognized for normal operating conditions which may realistically occur. Remedial action is necessary. POOR may also be used when uncertainties exist as to critical analysis parameters which identify a potential dam safety deficiency. Investigations and studies are necessary.
Unsatisfactory
A dam safety deficiency is recognized that requires immediate or emergency remedial action for problem resolution.
Not Rated
The dam has not been inspected, is not under state or federal jurisdiction, or has been inspected but, for whatever reason, has not been rated.
Not Available
Dams for which the condition assessment is restricted to approved government users.

Hazard Potential Classification

High
Dams assigned the high hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation will probably cause loss of human life.
Significant
Dams assigned the significant hazard potential classification are those dams where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life but can cause economic loss, environment damage, disruption of lifeline facilities, or impact other concerns. Significant hazard potential classification dams are often located in predominantly rural or agricultural areas but could be in areas with population and significant infrastructure.
Low
Dams assigned the low hazard potential classification are those where failure or mis-operation results in no probable loss of human life and low economic and/or environmental losses. Losses are principally limited to the owner's property.
Undetermined
Dams for which a downstream hazard potential has not been designated or is not provided.
Not Available
Dams for which the downstream hazard potential is restricted to approved government users.